Letters from the issue of Thursday, February 28, 2008

Keep reading, Doc: I just read your latest article on Sheriff Joe Arpaio's attempt to bypass the Constitution to put you out of business ("Counterattack," Stephen Lemons, February 21). I don't read your paper too often, usually only on days when I like to pick it up while having lunch. Regardless of what you have to say in your paper, I was appalled in October when I heard what had gone down, and I am more so today.

So, just in case Sheriff Joe, or anyone else, ever gets the okay to check on the reading habits of your subscribers, I want my name to be there. So please add me to your list [of readers against such government intrusion]. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Bill Gallagher, Scottsdale

ALIEN NATION

Who you calling obtuse?: Individual responsibility? You mentioned Arizona State University, the public and private sector, and individual contributions. What about the parents of these children? Do they bear no responsibility for the situation ("Dream On," Sarah Fenske, February 14)?

Incarcerated individuals have children, too. The hopes and dreams of these children do not become the responsibility of society because of their parents' crimes. Perhaps it is your stance that illegal immigration is not a crime? By telling illegal immigrants that they can bring their children here and that Americans will pay to educate them, you are encouraging more of the same.

In your obtuse way, you have touched upon one of the reasons that American citizens deeply resent illegal aliens. They display no sense of responsibility. It is felt that it is the responsibility of American citizens to educate their children even if ours are cheated in the process. A parent is just supposed to gleefully accept being taxed to pay for the education of illegal aliens even if it prevents him from sending his own offspring to college.

American children are having their curriculums dumbed down while funds go to English-as-a-second-language programs for aliens. Illegal aliens exhaust social support systems, such as mothers literally crossing the border while their water breaks in order to have an anchor baby through whom they can exploit the other aspects of our welfare system.

You want better PR for illegal aliens? Tell them to develop a respect for the rule of law and a sense of responsibility. Until then, I have no sympathy.
H.L. Harris, via the Internet

Let them continue their education: It is incredible to find out that the lives of 207 students will be stranded because of the pressure that a small part of the Arizona community has put on President Michael Crow and the ASU Foundation.

I still applaud the courageous decision of Mr. Crow announcing that the Sunburst Scholarships were going to be created, but I really stumbled on disappointment when I found out they are going to be gone. I am concerned not only for the students who won't be able to continue their education, but for the thousands of high school seniors who are getting a clear message of hopeless sentiment.

I think it is important to understand that most of these students are already an investment on our part. Going through the educational system all the way through high school has made them American products of intellect, at our expense. We have invested in the minds of brilliant youth, brought up to be Americans like the rest of our community, and who follow the same role models and educational structures that your own children follow.

Let them continue their education at the expense of those who want to pay for them, like myself, and let them give our great state a stronger and more educated workforce. Knowledge is power. Let us be powerful!
Luis Avila, via the Internet

PRESSING ISSUE

Crossing Miller: The claims that Mr. Robert Miller made in his statement toward the issue surrounding Globe High School's journalism staff is unfortunate ("No regrets at Globe High," Letters, February 21). It is unfortunate that he felt there was a need to take a personal attack on the individuals quoted in New Times ("Whadfxup With That?" Sarah Fenske, February 7).

Discrediting students publicly is an act that should not have even been an option for the school. However, it is apparent that there is a drastic lapse in communication among the school and those involved. Whether Mr. Miller is in full understanding of the events that did surround the censoring controversy is arguable.

The staff was initially informed that Papoose newspapers were confiscated because of the articles mentioned in New Times — both editorials. Not until the publishing of the New Times article did the administration come up with this alternate reasoning based on the hookah article.

In addition, the Papoose has published more [controversial] articles. For example, the Papoose was the first student newspaper in the state to cover the real danger of self-mutilation and to report it in an objective manner. The goal of the journalism staff is to report on real issues that affect students — and to report them in a timely and informative way.